Shore Excursion: Fort Lauderdale by Land and Sea Group Tour

Miami, Florida, USA

Highlights

Sightsee the city: Enjoy a driving tour along the beachfront made world-famous as a Spring Break mecca, then take a relaxed guided stroll through the vibrant downtown heart of the city.

Cruise the waters: Board a spacious motor yacht for a 90-minute gliding tour of the Tarpon River, New River, and Intracoastal Waterway. Opt for the cool comfort of the enclosed salon or watch from the refreshing open-air observation deck. A full cocktail bar and hot snacks are available for purchase onboard.

Flexible end point: Picked up from the Port of Miami cruise piers, you can choose to conclude at Miami International Airport or a Miami-area hotel. Plenty of room onboard for stowing your bags.

About This Miami (Port of Miami) Tour

Back in the 1920s, South Florida's development boom was in full stride. Everywhere along the coast, pioneering builders (and hucksters) were dreaming up promotional schemes to tempt winter-weary Northerners down to this balmy clime – where the real estate prices were ratcheted up into bubble territory for the first time.

In Fort Lauderdale, the coastal mangrove swamps were being dredged to create finger canals and waterfront subdivisions that would define the city's look and lifestyle forever. And give rise to its enduring nickname: "The Venice of America."

Despite killer hurricanes, freight embargos, market crashes, ravenous mosquitos and various other speedbumps along the road to prosperity, today's Fort Lauderdale is a fabulous success story. Along its 165 miles of waterways (six times the amount you'll find in the real Venice) sit some of the most impressive waterfront mansions and marinas you'll find anywhere.

On this tour, you'll learn all about the famous tycoons and celebs who have chosen to make a life here. You'll tour the shoreline where the innocently wild Spring Break scene of 1960s beach movies gave way to rowdy 350,000-strong invasions of college students disrupting life for weeks at a time here in the 80's – before they were permanently disinvited.

You'll see some of the "old town" (pretty young compared to Venice), the arts and science district, and the Las Olas shopping district – along with a few of the 63 golf courses that call Greater Fort Lauderdale home.

You might even see a manatee or two. They play here, too.

Pop goes the market

Three different "forts" were built along Fort Lauderdale's rivers during the Seminole War of 1835-42, but the city named for commander William Lauderdale took another 50 years to get going. In 1893, an enterprising Ohioan named Stranahan hit town and started up a trading post, hotel, and ferry service across the New River. In 1896, the first train from West Palm arrived. In 1925, at the peak of the real-estate bubble, the young city's population tripled in just 10 months. A 1926 killer hurricane and the Depression soon put a pin to that.

Getting prepared

Meeting point

During checkout, you'll be asked where you’d like us to pick you up. Please provide the name of your hotel, or your cruise ship, and the address. Look for your driver in the hotel lobby or by the vehicle, holding a sign with your name.

Helpful hints

Take extra precautions to avoid too much exposure to the sun. Even on cloudy days, the UV is stronger than you may think.

Getting around

Plan on a moderate amount of walking at a steady pace while on foot. You'll need to climb in and out of the boat. Sections of the boat are wheelchair accessible. Folding wheelchairs only, please.

Activity type

Walking Tour, Boat Tour, Scenic, Family Friendly

Transportation used

Luxury Motor Coach, Spacious Motor Yacht

Tour ID

TR-NAM-USA-MIAM-EN-2006

Tour Participation Requirements

Activity Level

This experience is rated moderate. Full participation may require extended periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, steep terrain and/or water activity in a slight current. There may be steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces, and extended periods of standing. Participants with physical limitations should take this into account.

Age restrictions

Suitable for all ages.

Great photo opportunities

Bring money

Wear sunscreen

Wear comfortable shoes

Wear Hat

Wear Sunglasses

Wear light clothing

Cancellation policy

Full refunds issued for cancellations made 7 full days prior to the date and time of requested services. Cancellations made within the 7-day and 72-hour window will receive a 50% refund of purchase total. Purchases are non-refundable inside of 72 hours.

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General disclaimer

Your order is subject to TourTrek's Booking Ticket Agreement, including all TourTrek and GoBe policies incorporated therein.

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